We met Natalie back in October 2008 when she gave an interview to the St. Paul Pioneer Press. She said this in her interview, "I'd like to live on a lake and have a Malibu boat out front. That's my dream boat. I like to ski and wakeboard in the summer."

The video was shot by dasherfilms.com. "I was staying on Lake Hiawassee in Orlando before Surf Expo. It had been super cold and Chad Sharpe got inventive with a winch, a ramp and a floating dock. I walked over with my Canon 7D and shot the action." - Charles Dasher

Friday, February 19, 2010

Malibu Boat (@MalibuBoats) owner Justin Spence of Dallas, Texas created a video about the Malibu boat he and his buddy Josh bought together. Justin submitted the video to Discover Boating's "i-Discovered Boating Video Contest" and ended up winning for the water sports segment. Way to go Justin! The video rocks and the wakesurfing wipes outs are the best!

Monday, February 15, 2010

Malibu Boats (@MalibuBoats) is promoting their customers with the “My Life My Boat” movement. Malibu Boats wants to give back to boat owners who further the Malibu Difference. The My Life My Boat Movement was born from this goal. These owners promote Malibu Boats and water sports by exhibiting truth on the water. Many of them also selflessly support their communities and their country. This is why Malibu wants to reward them with some well-deserved exposure. Malibu will shine a light on the passions that make up these dedicated owners’ lives, on and off the water, in an effort to give back to them.

Eric and Whitney Mintert are Malibu boat owners that embody the spirit of the My Life My Boat movement. Nominated by their local Malibu Boats dealer, Stateamind Watersports in St. Louis, MO, Eric and Whitney have a passion for wakeboarding. This water sports couple promotes Malibu Boats, their local dealer and the sport of wakeboarding every chance they get. Owners of a Malibu Wakesetter, the Minterts give back to the sport of wakeboarding and their community every year by participating in the New Year’s Day Polar Bear Water Ski event hosted by Stateamind Watersports to benefit the Missouri Disabled Water Ski Association (MDWSA). For 2010 Eric and Whitney decided they would do even more.

The Minterts resolved to help and give more to the MDWSA. Actually, they weren’t Mr. and Mrs. yet. Engaged at the time, Eric and Whitney took their affection for wakeboarding and parleyed it into a large donation to a local organization that strives to better adaptive waterskiing and help disabled athletes.

The MDWSA is a 501c3 nonprofit charitable organization that was incorporated in the State of Missouri in March 24, 2007. Founded to improve the lives of children and adults with physical and developmental disabilities, visual impairments, and special needs by involvement in adaptive water skiing.

MDWSA was created for the betterment of adaptive water skiing and the disabled athlete in response to a need in the community for an organization that will focus its energy and resources to professionally develop, organize, promote, and provide a comprehensive program of adaptive water skiing for those with physical and developmental disabilities, visual impairments, and special needs.

Eric and Whitney’s wedding date was scheduled for January 16, 2010. As a couple starting their lives together they probably had a need for tools that couples normally acquire as wedding gifts, but Eric Whitney had a different idea for gifts. Instead of a table of gifts or envelopes of money, soon-to-be Mr. and Mrs. Mintert asked their friends and family to contribute to a MDWSA’s money tree instead. Eric and Whitney’s invitation essentially said “No gifts”, but asked people to honor their new union with a donation to the MDWSA. They had flyers printed and placed on every table at the reception describing the MDWSA and encouraging donations.

Donations like this could be considered a luxury that many families, Malibu Boats related or not, cannot afford. Eric and Whitney didn’t let tight budgets prevent them from following through on their goal to do more for the MDWSA in 2010. They are just like many average American families who have excellent intentions, but are watching every penny right now. Eric runs his Family’s farming operation, like men in his family have been doing for generations. Mintert Farms is a small Agave farm in West Alton, MO. What makes Eric and Whitney different is determination and disregard. They're disregarding the status quo. There are many ways to give to charitable organizations. Eric and Whitney thought outside the box. They didn’t give up on the idea of giving more, instead they gave it some thought. They found a way to generate donations for MDWSA without over taxing their finances.

Stateamind Watersports hosted the 2010 New Year’s Day Polar Bear Water Ski event. Andrew Davis, Sales Manager for Stateamind Watersports, recapped the event. “It was freezing cold, but we pull skiers and boarders. We also sold sweatshirts and hot drinks. All the proceeds went to the MDWSA to purchase equipment and help keep the organization going.”

Eric and Whitney showed up with a big check and donated it to the disabled athletes at the event. “What a great way to start the New Year!” Andrew continued, “Eric and his fiancé are wonderful people!”

Malibu Boats is extremely pleased to feature Eric and Whitney Mintert as the My Life My Boat February honoree. We are happy to shine a light on the selflessness and dedication Malibu boat owners like the Minterts exhibit in everyday life. Thank you for all you do, Eric and Whitney. We are proud to have you in the Malibu Boats Family.

Kevin's buddy Dustin O'Farrell shot the video and edited it for Malibu Boats. Dustin is a regional Malibu rider, sponsored by Malibu Marine Ltd. in Kelowna, BC, Canada. Dustin is also a member of the Canadian National Wakeboard Team. This kid's talented! Great job, Dustin!

This latest video from Malibu Boats was not shot merely as a factory tour, which Malibu encourages in-person Monday through Thursday 9am to 4pm. The “Malibu Boats Backstage Pass” was filmed to give viewers a 10-minute glimpse into the Malibu Difference. Performance, innovation, construction and interior details are described and shown through out this video. Watch this video and gain a better understanding of the World’s No. 1 selling water sports boat manufacturer, the Malibu people and the award-winning boats they create.

“Versatility, handling, ride, wakes, it all comes together on the water and that’s where Malibu boats separate from the pack,” Mauzy concludes.

Paul Singer, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, outlines the developments that have made Malibu Boats the innovation leader in the water sports industry. Singer describes a few of the industry firsts implemented by Malibu including the MaliView Dash and Entertainment System, frameless windshields, the new Illusion G3 tower with weightless fold-down and the engineered fin-saver swim platform.

Singer also goes into detail about Malibu’s proven production processes. He focuses on their meticulous gel coat preparation and application, the extra steps Malibu takes in lamination, the Malibu Fiberglass Engine Chassis System (FibECS) and the unibody construction that creates a Malibu boat’s quiet ride. Malibu Boats Production Manager, Reese Stansell weighs in on the company’s superior in-house production of components in additional to the boats, like the new G3 tower. Like many signature Malibu parts, this new industry-altering wakeboard tower is designed, created and assembled in-house at Malibu Boats to ensure quality.

“We don’t build boats this way because it’s easier or inexpensive. We do it because it’s the right way and gets us closer to our goal of building the best boat possible,” Singer explains.

Mauzy concludes the video with a look inside the superior fit and finish of a Malibu boat. She specifically points out what makes the interior so comforting, strong and luxurious.

Watch this new video from Malibu Boats learn more about the Malibu Difference.

Monday, February 8, 2010

The @MalibuBoats twitter mentions started rolling in last night around 8:10pm PST. Some of our Malibu Boats followers spotted a Wakesetter VLX on CBS's new reality series, Undercover Boss. The COO of Waste Management, Larry O'Donnell, went undercover in his company cleaning porta-potties, sorting waste, collecting garbage from a landfill and even being fired for the first time in his life. If you haven't seen it check out Undercover Boss on the CBS web site.

Larry happens to own a Malibu Wakesetter VLX he purchased from Darryl Moore's Marine in Houston, TX. During the family introduction portion of this first episode of Undercover Boss Larry, his wife and their son were filmed in their VLX. Larry was even filmed water skiing behind the boat. This is what many Malibu Boats employees and enthusiasts noticed and commented about online. And before seeing the episode I was pretty sure that would be my favorite part of this show. I was wrong!

It was great to see part of the O'Donnell family out in the their boat, but it was even cooler to get to know Larry as a Malibu Owner, father, boss and human being. This show really allowed people to do that. You met a guy who seemed to have the corporate world by the tale, but learned he puts family first. His wife, his daughter and his son are the most important things in his life.

You then saw this leader of a huge company get down and dirty, literally, with his employees. And he didn't just go through the motions. He listened, he learned, he participated and in the end he made changes based on his findings. Even better yet! He righted his own wrongs and was a big enough man to admit it. What a great leader!

At Malibu Boats we were all proud to see our boats in prime time, but I think we were even more proud to learn about the type of individual who owns that boat. We're proud to have the O'Donnell Family as a part of the Malibu Family.

Thursday, February 4, 2010

This Malibu Boats (@MalibuBoats) 2008 Wakesetter 23 LSV is floating on Bullards Bar Lake in Northern, CA. Proud owner and photographer David Anaya tells us about this great shot "This was our 1st trip out with our new 23 LSV. We had just bought it from Central Valley Marine in Campbell, CA. We rushed over to Tower Bimini's in Morgan Hill and they made the top for me in one day. Nice Racks in Gilroy got us hooked up with all the wakeboard racks that same day too. Lots of thanks to them for taking such good care of us. I had never seen the boat on the water and wanted a nice picture of it for my screen saver and that background was perfect. I made all my friends lay down in the boat to get the perfect shot. We wake boarded all weekend and had a great time. We love the boat and couldn't be happier"

Thank you David for sharing this awesome photo!

If you capture or come across a cool Malibu Boats-related photo like this one let us know. We would love to post it on the Malibu Boats Blog and Flickr Channel. We will even Tweet about it on Twitter and add it to the ever-changing Malibu Boats Screen Saver. E-mail blog@malibuboats.com with links and/or images. Also make sure to include the name of the person who took the shot and give us a short description of the photo's contents. If you do not know this information and you are only forwarding a link, we can track it down. Thanks!

Jered was at the show Thursday evening and even helped close a sale! Thanks Jared!

If you capture or come across a cool Malibu Boats-related photo like this one let us know. We would love to post it on the Malibu Boats Blog and Flickr Channel. We will even Tweet about it on Twitter and add it to the ever-changing Malibu Boats Screen Saver. E-mail blog@malibuboats.com with links and/or images. Also make sure to include the name of the person who took the shot and give us a short description of the photo's contents. If you do not know this information and you are only forwarding a link, we can track it down. Thanks!

This Malibu Boats (@MalibuBoats) awesome shot was taken by Matt Mueller from Minnesota Inboard. Matt describes the shot "A perfect summer night on the Gull Lake Chain in Brainerd, MN. My wife, son and I were going for a sunset cruise and there wasn’t a ripple on the water anywhere"Thanks for sharing this cool photo with us Matt!!

If you capture or come across a cool Malibu Boats-related photo like this one let us know. We would love to post it on the Malibu Boats Blog and Flickr Channel. We will even Tweet about it on Twitter and add it to the ever-changing Malibu Boats Screen Saver. E-mail blog@malibuboats.com with links and/or images. Also make sure to include the name of the person who took the shot and give us a short description of the photo's contents. If you do not know this information and you are only forwarding a link, we can track it down. Thanks!

If you capture or come across a cool Malibu Boats-related photo like this one let us know. We would love to post it on the Malibu Boats Blog and Flickr Channel. We will even Tweet about it on Twitter and add it to the ever-changing Malibu Boats Screen Saver. E-mail blog@malibuboats.com with links and/or images. Also make sure to include the name of the person who took the shot and give us a short description of the photo's contents. If you do not know this information and you are only forwarding a link, we can track it down. Thanks!

Malibu Boats (@MalibuBoats) dealer Stateamind Water Sports is offering St. Louis Area residents the chance to win a day on the water in a new Malibu at the St. Louis Boat & Sportshow. You could enjoy a day on the lake with a Malibu boat full of experts to drive, spot and teach. No experience necessary! Stateamind will handle everything. All you have to do is have fun! The winner and as many as four friends will also receive lunch, photos of the day and a wakeboarding gear package.

The Winner will receive:6 hours on the water in a New Malibu Boat Boat Driver and Safety Spotter Lunch for the winner and their guests Digital Photos of the Day Wakeboard and/or Water ski lessons from a private instructor. Prize package including a new wakeboard, Neoprene lifejacket, and a wakeboard rope!

This Malibu Boats (@MalibuBoats) 2008 Sunscape 23 LSV is on Lake Elizabeith in Twin Lakes, WI. Owner and Photographer Barry C tells us" 8 year old Nicole is leaning how to drive VERY SLOWLY"

Thank you Barry for sharing this adorable photo!

If you capture or come across a cool Malibu Boats-related photo like this one let us know. We would love to post it on the Malibu Boats Blog and Flickr Channel. We will even Tweet about it on Twitter and add it to the ever-changing Malibu Boats Screen Saver. E-mail blog@malibuboats.com with links and/or images. Also make sure to include the name of the person who took the shot and give us a short description of the photo's contents. If you do not know this information and you are only forwarding a link, we can track it down. Thanks!